Job Type: Full-Time

Senior Programme Associate, Just Transition (Socio Economic Research and Execution)

Location: Noida
Position: Full-time
Experience: Minimum 7 years in the relevant area

1. Position Overview

iFOREST is seeking a Senior Programme Associate (SPA) with strong socio-economic research capabilities and excellent writing skills to contribute to the organizations work on just transition, economic diversification, and regional economic development.

The ideal candidate is someone who:

• Thinks analytically,
• Demonstrates strong conceptual understanding of economic and development issues of fossil fuel-dependent regions.
• Writes with clarity and precision,
• Produces high-quality research outputs under tight timelines, and

2. Key Responsibilities

Research and Analysis

• Conduct and supervise high-quality survey-based socio-economic research in coal districts, with a specific focus on economic structures, prospective energy transition risks, opportunities, etc.
• Evaluate survey results and develop analytical outputs.
• Undertake secondary research for socio-economic aspects related to the energy transition, including collecting and analyzing government and industry datasets, and other scholarly sources.
• Convert complex quantitative and qualitative findings into coherent narratives and policy-relevant insights.
• Contribute to the development of analytical methodologies, conceptual frameworks, and evidence-building processes.
• Produce clear, concise, well-argued research outputs—reports, policy briefs, and presentations.

Coordination and Engagement

• Coordinate with government departments, industry actors, experts, and research partners on data procurement, information gathering, and strengthening of research outputs.
• Do one-on-one meetings with senior government officials, industry leaders, and other such related stakeholders for the uptake and implementation of policies and plans.
• Support planning and organisation of stakeholder consultations, workshops, roundtables, and dissemination events.
• Any other coordination and engagement as required for project execution and achievement of programme goals.

3. Required Qualifications and Skills

Academic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in economics (development economics, applied economics), applied social sciences, or relevant science disciplines with strong quantitative or socio-economic research training.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 7 years of relevant research experience in reputed institutions, research organisations, think tanks, academia, or development agencies.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing large socio-economic datasets (national surveys, administrative datasets, or project-level datasets).
• Proven track record of producing high-quality, well-written research outputs (reports, briefs, analyses, assessments).
• Experience in primary research (surveys, KIIs, FGDs).
• Prior work on economic diversification, regional development, coal mining-region transitions, or just transition is an added advantage.

Core Skills (Must-Have)

• High-quality research skills: survey and analysis, conceptualisation, data synthesis, analytical reasoning.
• Exceptional writing ability: clear, precise, structured, and analytically strong.
• Ability to work with, interpret, and derive insights from complex socio-economic datasets.
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative analysis tools (Excel, R, Stata, SPSS, or similar).
• Willingness to travel.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

4. What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to impactful work on just transition, economic diversification, and regional economic planning.
• Exposure to policy processes, government engagement, industry engagement, and cross-sectoral research.
• Dynamic and supportive team culture that emphasises analytical rigour and high-quality writing.
• Competitive compensation based on experience and organisational norms.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to —— with the subject line:
“Application: SPA – Just Transition”
• CV
• Cover letter (max 1 page)

The Role

iFOREST is seeking a senior professional to lead the organisation’s Human Resources function. The role involves overseeing HR operations, recruitment, talent development, organisational culture, and statutory compliance.

The HR Head will partner closely with the CEO and senior leadership to align people practices with institutional goals and support a growing, multi-disciplinary, and geographically distributed team.

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization established in 2019. Our mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa.

We focus on regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level while contributing to national policies and plans to support these efforts. By leveraging our resources and expertise, we aim to address regional needs, enhance national action, and contribute to global solutions.

Our work involves independent, evidence-based research, developing innovative solutions, convening stakeholders to build consensus, and partnering with think tanks, civil society organizations, government agencies, philanthropies, and industry leaders.

Location – Noida

Reporting to – CEO

Key Responsibilities

Strategic HR Leadership

Lead and oversee the overall HR function for the organisation.

Develop and implement HR strategies aligned with iFOREST’s mission, growth plans, and organisational values.

Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and senior leadership on people-related matters.

Strengthen organisational culture, employee engagement, and performance management systems.

Recruitment and Talent Management

Lead workforce planning and recruitment across levels, including senior leadership, research, programme, and support roles.

Design and manage efficient hiring processes, from role definition to onboarding.

Support leadership in identifying talent needs and building high-performing teams.

Drive onboarding, induction processes for new hires.

Support learning, development, and capacity-building initiatives for staff.

HR Policies and Processes

Develop, review, and update HR policies, manuals, and SOPs in line with best practices and organisational needs.

Ensure transparent, equitable, and well-documented HR processes across the employee lifecycle.

Implement performance appraisal systems, promotion frameworks, and feedback mechanisms.

Manage employee relations, grievance redressal, and conflict resolution processes.

Institutional Support, Administration and Growth

Oversee leaves, attendance, employee benefits, contracts, and HR documentation.

Maintain accurate HR records and MIS for reporting and decision-making.

Support organisational expansion by strengthening HR systems and structures suitable for a growing institution.

Contribute to institutional decision-making as part of the senior management team.

Promote best practices in people management within a not-for-profit research organisation context.

Qualifications and Experience

Master’s degree in Human Resources Management

10–15+ years of progressive experience in HR, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.

Experience in not-for-profit organizations, think tanks, or consulting firms.

Required Competencies

Strong understanding of end-to-end HR functions, including recruitment, policies, performance management, and compliance.

Ability to build systems and processes in a startup / growing organisation.

Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.

Ability to work in a dynamic, multi-disciplinary, and mission-driven environment.

What We Offer

At iFOREST, we provide an inclusive and supportive work environment. We are committed to professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

Remuneration

We offer highly competitive salaries within the think tank space and recognize performance through annual appraisals. The final designation will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

We encourage candidates to apply online at https://iforest.global/careers/. If you face any difficulties, you may send your application to [email protected].

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking a dynamic professional to lead its Clean Energy Program in Odisha.

The successful candidate must demonstrate proven aptitude, substantial experience, and a track record of leading a multi-disciplinary team of 10+ professionals engaged in research and government collaboration on clean energy initiatives. The candidate should possess a strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, market trends, and policy frameworks. Additionally, experience in conducting research and authoring reports related to the clean energy sector is essential.

This is a leadership position, requiring expertise in developing programs, managing teams, and executing projects. Furthermore, experience in engaging with government departments on policy and project implementation is a key requirement.

Candidates must also clearly understand and appreciate the critical role think tanks play in shaping public policy and supporting its implementation.

Location: Bhubaneshwar, India

Reporting to: Director – Programme Development

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization established in 2019. Our mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa.

We focus on regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level while influencing national policies and plans to support these efforts. By leveraging our resources and expertise, we aim to address regional needs, enhance national action, and contribute to global solutions.

Our work involves independent, evidence-based research, developing innovative solutions, convening stakeholders to build consensus, and partnering with think tanks, civil society organizations, government agencies, philanthropies, and industry leaders.

Odisha’s Clean Energy Program is designed to increase the contribution of renewable energy in the state energy-mix through policy and program support to the state government. It includes independent research, engagement with various stakeholders and providing program support to the energy department. 

Key Responsibilities

Research and Writing

• Lead the research initiatives of the program in Odisha.
• Assign research tasks and monitor their execution, providing guidance and timely interventions.
• Support the preparation of research/policy/project reports.

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach

• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and lead program outreach in Odisha.
• Build and maintain networks with stakeholders across sectors, including government, industry, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media.
• Represent iFOREST as a senior leader in high-level meetings and events, presenting institutional perspectives and insights.
• Strengthen iFOREST’s profile as a thought leader in the states.
• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy to effectively communicate research findings.
• Foster constructive policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Organize and guide roundtables, convenings, and report launches with key stakeholders.

Leadership and Management

• Ensure that all projects meet their objectives, timelines, and budgets while aligning with the organization’s mission.
• Monitor project performance and proactively address challenges.
• Support in recruitment, mentoring, and managing a high-performing team.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and sustainability.

Institutional Development

• Work with program directors to shape state-level strategies aligned with institutional priorities and sectoral needs.
• Develop concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new projects.
• Identify new initiatives and partnerships that advance programmatic goals in the region.

Additional Duties

• Execute related assignments to enhance the Clean Energy program.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree (minimum) in a relevant field such as engineering, management, economics, or public policy from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 12- 15 years of extensive experience in research, strategy consulting, or advisory roles focused on clean energy, climate change, and environmental issues.

Required Competencies

The candidate must possess the following attributes:

• Passion for working in civil society and driving positive societal change.
• In-depth knowledge of India’s clean energy and climate sector.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in writing, research, and presentations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and information dissemination capabilities.
• Proven ability to build relationships and engage with diverse groups on research and policy issues.
• Experience of leading a high-performing team.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and critical analysis skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in policy-driven environments.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple assignments effectively.

What We Offer

At iFOREST, we provide an inclusive and supportive work environment. We are committed to professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

Remuneration

We offer highly competitive salaries within the think tank space and recognize performance through annual appraisals. The final designation will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

Application Instructions

We encourage candidates to apply online at https://iforest.global/careers/. If you face any difficulties, you may send your application to [email protected]. Please only mention the reference code – CE/OH-06-02/26, in the subject.

• Education: B.E. / B.Tech in Computer Science or a related technical field.
• Experience: 3–5 years of experience in IT project/program management.
• Core Responsibilities:
  • Lead full-cycle ERP and HR software rollouts, from requirement gathering to post-go-live support.
  • Architect and oversee the integration of AI technologies to automate business processes and improve data decision-making.
  • Manage the Office IT ecosystem, ensuring a seamless blend of software applications and physical hardware infrastructure.
  • Utilize Advanced MS Office / Project skills for data visualization, reporting, and timeline management.

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional for media and outreach for the organisation.

A successful applicant must have a proven aptitude for engagement and outreach, multi-stakeholder engagement and excellent communication skills. The candidate must clearly understand and appreciate the role of think tanks in shaping public policy and supporting their implementation.

Location: Noida, India

Required Experience: 8 -10 years

iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent not-for-profit research and innovation organisation established in 2019 to identify, promote and scale up solutions for pressing environment-development challenges in India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Our work is rooted in regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level and to improve national policies and plans by supporting them. Our mission is to address the unique needs of regions by leveraging our resources and expertise to scale up national action and make a global impact. We use our regional knowledge to inform national policy and plans and strengthen international collaboration.

To achieve our goals, we conduct independent evidence-based research, develop new knowledge and innovative solutions, convene stakeholders to increase awareness and build consensus, and partner with think tanks, civil society, government agencies, philanthropies and industry to scale up solutions.

The Role

As the Lead – Social Media, Engagement & Outreach, you will be instrumental in developing and implementing strategies to enhance the organisation’s visibility, community engagement, and communication efforts – supporting iFOREST in building and extending its presence.

We are looking for a detail-oriented and creative professional with a strong interest in environmental issues, the social sector, and international development, and with proven experience in social media strategy, media engagement, digital communications, and online outreach. The role requires close coordination with research, policy, and programme teams to ensure consistent and impactful digital communication aligned with organisational goals.

Strategy Development:

• Lead the programmes on communication and outreach.
• Develop and implement strategic media outreach plans aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Identify key media channels, outlets, and influencers relevant to our industry/sector.
• Collaborate with internal teams to integrate media outreach into broader communication and marketing strategies.
• Manage and grow iFOREST’s presence across key social media platforms (including X/Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, and others as relevant).
• Plan and execute platform-specific content calendars, campaigns, and engagement initiatives.
• Monitor analytics and performance metrics, generate insights, and optimise content to improve reach, engagement, and impact.

Media Relations:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, bloggers, and other media professionals.
• Proactively pitch story ideas, press releases, and thought leadership content to secure media coverage.
• Respond promptly to media inquiries and interview requests, serving as a primary point of contact for media interactions.

Content Development & Digital Storytelling

• Translate complex research, policy outputs, and programme insights into clear, engaging, and accessible social media content.
• Create and oversee production of posts, threads, short videos, reels, carousels, infographics, and explainers.
• Collaborate with internal teams and designers to ensure visual consistency and high-quality digital assets.
• Maintain editorial standards and brand voice across all social media channels.

Digital Engagement & Online Outreach

• Build and engage online communities including policymakers, practitioners, researchers, media, and civil society actors.
• Proactively engage with relevant influencers, institutions, partners, and networks in the climate, energy, and development space.
• Support digital amplification of campaigns, reports, events, and policy advocacy initiatives.

 Event & Campaign Promotion

• Lead social media promotion for events, workshops, report launches, and webinars before, during, and after events.
• Manage live-tweeting, reels, highlights, and post-event content to maximise digital visibility and engagement.

 Regional Office & Internal Coordination

• Work closely with iFOREST’s Regional Office(s) to highlight regional work, field insights, and local impact through social media.
• Support internal teams with social media guidance, templates, and best practices.

 Annual Report and Newsletters

• Support development and dissemination of annual report and newsletters, with a focus on repurposing content for social media channels.

• Coordinate with internal teams to source stories, updates, and visuals for digital dissemination.

Qualification and work experience

Education Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, Communications or relevant field from a reputable institution is a must. A master’s degree is preferred.

Work Experience: 8- 10 years of experience in communication, social media and outreach in the relevant field with successfully managing and handling stakeholder engagement is preferred.

What we offer: At iFOREST, we offer an inclusive and amicable work environment. In addition, our institution strongly supports professional development through education, training and capacity building.

Remuneration: We offer highly competitive salaries in a think tank space, and reward performance through annual appraisals. The final designation of a successful candidate will be based on qualifications and experience.

Application instructions & deadline: We prefer that candidates submit online applications at https://iforest.global/careers/. In case of any difficulties, you may also send your application to [email protected].

About the role:

A Programme Management Associate professional will support the Programme Management Unit by ensuring that programmes and projects are well-planned, tracked, and reported. The role focuses on coordination, monitoring, and reporting.

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent not-for-profit research and innovation organisation that was established in 2019 to identify, promote and scale up solutions for pressing environment development challenges in India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa. Our work is rooted in regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level and to improve national policies and plans to support it. Our mission is to address the unique needs of regions by leveraging our resources and expertise to scale up national action and make a global impact. We use our regional knowledge to inform national policy and plans and strengthen international collaboration. To achieve our goals, we conduct independent evidence-based research, develop new knowledge and innovative solutions, convene stakeholders to increase awareness and build consensus, and partner with think tanks, civil society, government agencies, philanthropies and industry to scale up solutions.

Location: Sector 132- Noida (On-site)

Core PMU Responsibilities

1. Workplan Management

• Uploading programme-wise and project-wise workplans on Zoho Projects.
• Uploading and maintaining individual workplans on Zoho People.
• Ensuring alignment between organisational, programme, and individual plans.

2. Weekly Monitoring & Review

• Tracking weekly progress of all projects across programmes.
• Reviewing weekly comments, updates, and deliverables submitted by team members.
• Identifying gaps between planned vs actual progress.

3. Reporting & Tracking

• Preparing and maintaining Excel-based trackers for:
  • Project-wise progress
  • Individual-wise progress
• Developing and sharing weekly progress reports.
• Consolidating data into monthly performance and status reports for management.

      4. Coordination & Follow-ups

• Ensuring timely updates from project owners and team members.
• Regular follow-ups on pending tasks and milestones.
• Flagging delays, risks, dependencies, and escalation points.

       5. Weekly & Monthly Review Meetings

• Coordinating and participating in weekly and monthly workplan review meetings.
• Presenting progress updates, risks, and action points.

Qualification Required:

• Any bachelor’s degree with computer literacy.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Excel for tracking, reporting, and data management.
• Familiarity with project management tools (Preferences , Zoho Projects, Zoho People, or similar platforms) is desirable.
• Ability to track multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong coordination and follow-up skills, with the ability to work across teams and levels.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.
• High level of attention to detail, organisation, and documentation skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and willing to learn in a research-driven, mission-oriented organisation.

What We Offer

At iFOREST, we provide an inclusive and supportive work environment. We are committed to professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

Remuneration

We offer Competitive salary based on experience and proficiency. The final designation will depend on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

Application instructions & deadline

We prefer that candidates apply from LinkedIn or submit online applications at https://iforest.global/careers/. Please mention the reference code PU/NCR-08-02/26 in case you send your application via email.

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to join its Climate program as a Lead.

She/He will play a pivotal role in guiding iFOREST’s research and engagement on area of climate change including climate adaptation and climate finance at the national and sub-national levels.

The successful candidate must demonstrate proven aptitude, substantial experience, and a track record of leading a multi-disciplinary team of 10+ professionals engaged in research and engagement on climate adaptation and finance. The candidate should possess a strong understanding of climate adaptation in sectors such as agriculture, water, forestry, coastal etc., development of climate action plans, and climate finance, especially development of climate finance projects. Additionally, experience in conducting research and authoring reports related to the above-mentioned topics is essential.

This is a leadership position, requiring expertise in developing programs, managing teams, and executing projects. Furthermore, experience in engaging with national and international governmental and non-governmental organisations on policy and project implementation is a key requirement.

Candidates must also clearly understand and appreciate the critical role think tanks play in shaping public policy and supporting its implementation.

Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Length of Commitment: 3+ years

Reporting to: Director – Climate Change

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization established in 2019. Our mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa.

We focus on regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level while influencing national policies and plans to support these efforts. By leveraging our resources and expertise, we aim to address regional needs, enhance national action, and contribute to global solutions.

Our work involves independent, evidence-based research, developing innovative solutions, convening stakeholders to build consensus, and partnering with think tanks, civil society organizations, government agencies, philanthropies, and industry leaders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research initiatives under the climate programme, specifically on climate adaptation, policies, and institutions in India and other relevant regions.
• Assess the effectiveness of current climate governance frameworks and identify gaps in legislation, institutions, and implementation.
• Develop actionable recommendations for policy reform and institutional strengthening to support ambitious climate action.
• Guide the development and prepare action plans for climate change at the sub-national levels (state, district, city, as required) along with team members.
• Conceptualize, write, and review research documents, including analytical reports, policy papers, factsheets, etc.
• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy for the programme as well as for projects therein.
• Enable the generation of policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders.
• Build and leverage relationships to design and conduct roundtables, convenings, and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.
• Represent iFOREST in national and international forums, contributing to discussions on climate governance.

Project and People Management:

• Design comprehensive plans for executing research assignments. This would include developing the overall research strategy and methodology, as well as the specific scope of work, including activities and tasks required to be undertaken to achieve desired goals.
• Assign the research plan/scope of work to the research team, and monitor its execution during the project cycle. This would include timely interventions in the form of review, guidance and course correction.
• Mentor researchers and communications professionals to achieve programme objectives.
• Engage in timely reviews of performance to track the progress and professional growth of team members.

Strategy and Institutional Growth:

• Contribute to shaping the overall strategy for the programme, aligned with institutional priorities, sector-specific issues, and ongoing work of other key institutions.
• Contribute to the preparation of new concept notes, proposals,etc. that further drive institutional objectives.
• Contribute to decisions for that ensure efficiency in organisational structure, culture and philosophy.

Required competencies

• Deep understanding of climate adaptation, policies, and governance structures, particularly in the Indian context.
• Deep understanding of climate finance, particularly development of climate finance projects.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and policy issues into actionable recommendations.
• Proven ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, industry, and civil society.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills, both written and verbal.
• Leadership and team management capabilities.
• Willingness to travel as per requirement.

Desirable:

Experience working with international organizations, think tanks, or government bodies on climate governance issues.

Qualifications:

1. Primary qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Law/Economics/Engineering
2. Additional qualification: Master’s degree in Environmental Law/Public Policy/ Environmental policy/climate change/finance etc.

Work experience

A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience.

What We Offer

At iFOREST, we provide an inclusive and supportive work environment. We are committed to professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

Remuneration

We offer highly competitive salaries within the think tank space and recognize performance through annual appraisals. The final designation will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking a dynamic professional to lead its Green Cooling Program.

The successful candidate must demonstrate proven aptitude, substantial experience, and a track record of leading a multi-disciplinary team of 10+ professionals engaged in research and outreach on promoting green cooling plans and projects in various cities of the country. Specific areas of work will include developing integrated heat and cooling action plans, promoting green cooling technologies including centralised and district cooling, implementing projects on green refrigerants and life-cycle refrigerant management, implementing heat adaptation projects like parametric insurance and cool roofs, undertaking capacity building initiatives etc. Experience and knowledge on modelling Urban Heat Island, impacts of cooling solutions on building and cities etc. is a must. Additionally, experience in directing research. authoring reports and organising meeting/workshop/conference related to the urban sector is essential.

This is a leadership position, requiring expertise in developing programs, managing teams, and executing projects. Furthermore, experience in engaging with government departments on policy and project implementation is a key requirement.

Candidates must also clearly understand and appreciate the critical role think tanks play in shaping public policy and supporting its implementation.

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organization established in 2019. Our mission is to identify, promote, and scale up solutions for critical environment-development challenges in India and other developing regions across Asia and Africa.

We focus on regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level while influencing national policies and plans to support these efforts. By leveraging our resources and expertise, we aim to address regional needs, enhance national action, and contribute to global solutions.

Our work involves independent, evidence-based research, developing innovative solutions, convening stakeholders to build consensus, and partnering with think tanks, civil society organizations, government agencies, philanthropies, and industry leaders.

iFOREST’s Green Cooling Program is designed to develop solutions to build low carbon cities and enhance urban resilience and then work with the national/state/city governments implement those solutions. This is a research and engagement program to drive ambitious policy, strengthen institutions, and implement solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Research and Writing

• Lead the research initiatives of the program, including modelling work.
• Develop new methods/framework/planning tool etc.
• Assign research tasks and monitor their execution, providing guidance and timely interventions.
• Support the preparation of research/policy/project reports.

Engagement and Outreach

• Lead the engagement part of the program including organising roundtables/ workshops/ conference, organise one-to-one meeting government and industry leaders, engage with media etc.

• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders and lead program outreach.
• Build and maintain networks with stakeholders across sectors, including government, industry, civil society organizations (CSOs), and media.
• Represent iFOREST as a senior leader in high-level meetings and events, presenting institutional perspectives and insights.
• Strengthen iFOREST’s profile as a thought leader.
• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy to effectively communicate research findings.
• Foster constructive policy-research partnerships with government, industry, and other stakeholders.

Leadership and Management

• Ensure that all projects meet their objectives, timelines, and budgets while aligning with the organization’s mission.
• Monitor project performance and proactively address challenges.
• Support in recruitment, mentoring, and managing a high-performing team.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation and sustainability.

Institutional Development

• Work with program director to shape program strategies aligned with institutional priorities and sectoral needs.
• Develop concept notes, proposals, and budgets for new projects.
• Identify new initiatives and partnerships that advance programmatic goals in the region.

Additional Duties

• Execute related assignments to enhance the Urban program.

 Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree in Technology, Urban planning, Urban design or equivalent disciplines, with a B. Tech. or B. Arch or B. Planning or Civil/Mechanical Engg.
• Minimum 10 years of full-time experience in research, strategy consulting, think-tank, academia focused on Green Cooling, Heat and Cooling Action Plan, Urban planning, Green building, etc.
• Experience of working in a think-tank space would be an added advantage.

Required Skill Set & Competencies

• Passion for working in civil society and driving positive societal change.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in writing, research, and presentations.
• Excellent engagement skills including organising meetings/ workshops, engaging with media, use of social media to disseminate information etc.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and information dissemination capabilities.
• Proven ability to build relationships and engage with diverse groups on research and policy issues.
• Experience of leading a high-performing team.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities.
• Strategic thinking, intellectual curiosity, and critical analysis skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet tight deadlines in policy-driven environments.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple assignments effectively.

What We Offer

At iFOREST, we provide an inclusive and supportive work environment. We are committed to professional development through education, training, and capacity-building initiatives.

Remuneration

We offer highly competitive salaries within the think tank space and recognize performance through annual appraisals. The final designation will be based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST) is seeking a highly technically competent professional to lead its Mine Planning & Repurposing vertical. This role is intended for a senior expert with a deep grounding in mine planning, statutory mine closure, land reclamation, and post-mining land use, capable of delivering technically rigorous assessments and implementation-ready outputs.
Location: Noida, Uttar Pradesh (with required field engagement)
Commitment: Full-time, long-term
Reporting to: Director

About iFOREST & Engagement on Sustainable Mining and Mine Repurposing
iFOREST is an independent, not-for-profit research and innovation organisation working at the intersection of environment, industry, and development. The organisation’s work focuses on solution-oriented, evidence-based research, development of innovative and scalable solutions, and convening diverse stakeholders to build consensus. iFOREST partners with think tanks, civil government agencies, civil society organisations, and industry leaders to inform policy and support implementation.
iFOREST’s leadership brings 20-plus years of experience in sustainable mining and mineral sector transformation across multiple states and districts in India. In recent years, the organisation has been closely engaged in scientific mine closure, mine land repurposing, and closure cost estimation, working in tandem with governments and the industry.

Role Overview
The Programme Lead will anchor iFOREST’s technical work on scientific mine planning, mine closure, and repurposing of mining land and assets. The role requires technical expertise and hands-on capability to engage with and to guide technically sound, regulation-aligned decisions on scientific mine/mine closure planning and land repurposing, along with relevant outputs.

Essential Qualifications & Experience
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering. A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline will be a plus.
• Minimum 10-12 years of professional experience in mines management, mine planning, mine closure, reclamation, or post-mining land use.
• Experience in preparing, reviewing, or approving mine plans and/or mine closure plans.
• Strong familiarity with statutory mine-closure requirements, regulatory processes, and environmental safeguards.
• Experience working with coal and/or mineral mining operations.

Key Responsibilities
1. Technical & Scientific Assessments
• Undertake technical and engineering assessments across mine closure planning and post-mining land repurposing.
• Lead and conduct site surveys and site-specific technical and scientific assessments, including for land suitability, slope stability, soil quality, hydrology, etc.
• Develop asset-specific and cluster-level repurposing plans based on technical and scientific assessments, site surveys, etc., in line with statutory guidelines and best practices.
• Assess readiness for phased land release, including closure sequencing, reclamation timelines, remaining liabilities, and availability of infrastructure for post-mining land use.
2. Research & Technical Outputs
• Lead development of integrated mine closure and repurposing plans, high-quality technical reports, and toolkits on mine planning, closure, and land repurposing.
• Ensure outputs are data-driven, technically rigorous, and implementation-oriented, suitable for adoption by governments, PSUs, and regulators.
• Translate complex technical assessments into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers, regulators, public-sector companies, and financial institutions.
• Support preparation of project concepts and technical notes for repurposed mine land.
3. Stakeholder & Institutional Engagement
• Engage with mining companies, regulators, state and central government departments, and other technical experts.
• Represent iFOREST in technical committees, expert groups, and consultations related to the area of work.
• Lead and organize workshops, meetings, reviews, and capacity-building engagements with government and industry stakeholders.
4. Programme & Team Management
• Lead and mentor a team of researchers and technical experts.
• Manage technical consultants and ensure quality control of deliverables.
• Oversee project timelines, budgets, and reporting for technically complex programmes.

What We Offer
• Opportunity to lead high-impact, technically rigorous work on mine closure and land repurposing in India.
• A collaborative, research-driven environment with strong policy and implementation relevance.
• Competitive remuneration commensurate with senior technical expertise.

Application Process
We encourage candidates to submit their application by clicking on the Apply Now button. If you face any difficulties, you may send your application at [email protected] mentioning the reference code MP/NCR-06-12/25  in the subject line.

The International Forum for Environment, Sustainability & Technology (iFOREST), is looking for an experienced and dynamic professional to support & lead the organisation’s research initiatives and policy engagement in the Industrial Decarbonization.

A successful applicant must have a proven aptitude for analytical research and multi-stakeholder engagement, and excellent communication skills with government, industry and related agencies. The candidate must have a comprehensive knowledge of continuous emission monitoring (CEMS) and industrial pollution monitoring and reporting systems.

Required Experience: 5- 8 years

About iFOREST

iFOREST is an independent not-for-profit research and innovation organisation that was established in 2019 to identify, promote and scale up solutions for pressing environment-development challenges in India and other developing countries in Asia and Africa.

Our work is rooted in regional priorities to accelerate environmental actions at the sub-national level and to improve national policies and plans to support it. Our mission is to address the unique needs of regions by leveraging our resources and expertise to scale up national action and make a global impact. We use our regional knowledge to inform national policy and plans and strengthen international collaboration.

To achieve our goals, we conduct independent evidence-based research, develop new knowledge and innovative solutions, convene stakeholders to increase awareness and build consensus, and partner with think tanks, civil society, government agencies, philanthropies and industry to scale up solutions.

The Industrial Decarbonization Programmme
The Industrial Decarbonization Programme is a part of iFOREST’s flagship initiative on Enabling Energy Transitions. The objective of the programme is to steer a green industry transition to support green growth and green jobs, while improving local environmental conditions and achieving climate goals. The focus is on conducing evidence-based research, including modelling studies to develop comprehensive roadmaps, identify policy solutions and provide technical support for industrial decarbonisation in sectors like steel, fertilizer, cement, bricks and at-risk MSME sectors, as a transition in these sectors will affect the largest number of consumers and enterprises.

The Programme is strongly focused on technical research and stakeholder engagement (especially with government departments/agencies and the industry) to achieve a green transition of fossil fuel-dependent factories that are associated with various industries. 

The Role
The Sr. Programme Associate will be responsible for the execution of research and engagement outputs pertaining to the Industrial Decarbonization Programme especially on industrial pollution, monitoring and reporting. This would entail conducting impactful research, survey, audit, and multi-stakeholder engagement. In addition, they would also be expected to identify new areas of work to support institutional goals.

Specific tasks to be undertaken are:

Support and execute the research initiatives of the Programme.

• Contribute to designing research assignments, including developing research strategy and methodology as well as identifying specific activities and tasks.
• Conduct in-depth primary and secondary research including quantitative and qualitative assessments.
• Remain updated with the latest tools and techniques for executing qualitative and quantitative research.
• Write research documents, including analytical reports and policy papers based on evidence.
• Mentor young researchers in the team in executing research assignments.
• Stay abreast with the latest developments and debates in the sector.

Lead the outreach and communication

• Design and manage a comprehensive outreach strategy for the programme as well as for projects therein.
• Enable the generation of policy-research partnerships with government, industry and other stakeholders.
• Author and review articles and other forms of communication materials suitable for the public, government stakeholders, and donors.
• Build and leverage relationships to design and conduct roundtables, convenings, and report release meetings with government, industry, civil society, media, etc.

Additional duties

• Contribute to shaping the overall strategy for the programme, aligned with institutional priorities, sector-specific issues and ongoing work of other key institutions.
• Identify new pathways, initiatives, and partnerships that contribute to programmatic goals.
• Support development of new concept notes, proposals, theory of change and budgets for projects/interventions that further institutional objectives.
• Contribute to the institution’s brand building by representing iFOREST on various public platforms.
• Execute any related assignments that may arise in relation to the tasks or for further enhancement of the programme.

Qualification & Work Experience

• A Bachelors or master’s in engineering is a must, preferably in Environmental, Instrumentation, Electronics, Civil, or related streams.
• The candidate must have experience of working on real-time monitoring technologies {Continuous Emissions (CEMS) and Effluent Monitoring system (CEQMS)}, Air quality monitoring, lab-based pollution monitoring and reporting system,
• Knowledge of CEMS and CEQMS technologies, CPCB guidelines, CEMS operation and maintenance, and Calibration is also a must.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant work experience in industrial pollution monitoring, reporting, compliance, and related research, advisory and consulting are required.

Competencies & Responsibilities

The successful candidate should have the following competencies:

• Strong technical knowledge of industrial pollution monitoring and reporting.
• Strongly quantitative skills, with ability to work with large datasets.
• Ability to undertake technical research, analysis, and surveys.
• Ability to prepare technical reports of high quality.
• Experience of engagement with industry partners, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

Remuneration

Competitive salary as per the candidate’s experience and proficiency. Final designation of successful candidate will be based on qualification and experience.

Application deadline & instructions
We prefer that candidates submit online applications at https://iforest.global/careers/. In case of any difficulties, you may also send your application to [email protected] mentioning the reference code SPA-CEMS/ID-18-12/25 in the subject line